July 13, 2025

Mount Trashmore Summer Carnival Closed Due to Staffing Issues

News Summary

The Mount Trashmore Summer Carnival in Virginia Beach was abruptly closed after only three days due to a lack of sufficient law enforcement personnel. The city officials highlighted public safety concerns following a recent tragic incident. The decision came after officials determined that neither the sheriff’s office nor the police department could provide the necessary security. This closure has left many carnival workers in a difficult situation, and it marks a significant loss for the community that has cherished the event for over 30 years.

Virginia Beach’s Mount Trashmore Summer Carnival Abruptly Closed Due to Staffing Shortages and Safety Concerns

The Mount Trashmore Summer Carnival in Virginia Beach was suddenly closed after just three days of operation, with city officials citing insufficient public safety personnel as the primary reason. Originally scheduled to run from May 23 to June 17, the event was shuttered on May 25, prompting disappointment among local residents and workers.

Virginia Beach Sheriff Rocky Holcomb revealed that there was a significant shortage of deputies willing to work at the carnival. The security plan required a total of 20 law enforcement personnel, including 14 sheriff’s deputies inside the carnival and six police officers to patrol the parking lots and perimeter. This need for higher security was recognized during a meeting on April 28, especially after last year’s shooting incident that raised safety concerns.

Both the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office and the Police Department faced staffing issues that hindered their ability to provide adequate security. At the time of the carnival, the police department was short by 76 officers, while the sheriff’s office lacked 53 deputies. Despite attempts to fill the gaps in personnel, officials from both departments communicated that they were unable to provide the required security staff.

Concerns over Safety and Staffing

On the morning of the carnival’s opening day, Sheriff Holcomb and the city’s Parks and Recreation events coordinator, Amanda Parrish, conducted a walk-through of the carnival site expressing serious concerns about the security setup. The atmosphere of safety surrounding the carnival was of utmost importance, reinforced by the legacy of a tragic incident in 2024 when a 15-year-old girl was shot and killed in the carnival’s parking lot.

Due to ongoing staffing shortages, it became clear over the course of the first three days that neither the sheriff’s office nor the police department could meet the security requirements established for the event. A result of this joint assessment led to City Manager Patrick Duhaney making the difficult decision to cancel the carnival for the season. The safety of the public was deemed a priority over maintaining the summer entertainment fixture.

Impact on the Community and Workers

The sudden cancellation left approximately 150 carnival workers without jobs and in a precarious financial situation. The impact of this closure was felt significantly across the community, as the carnival has been a beloved summer tradition for over 30 years, providing joy and entertainment to residents and visitors alike. City officials have faced critiques for previously canceling events due to safety concerns, but noted that this incident was particularly challenging due to its timing, occurring shortly after the carnival had begun operations.

Carnival operator Joel Cadwell also expressed disappointment at the sudden closure and had discussed possibilities such as hiring private security to continue the event. However, these options were ultimately rejected by the city, which stressed its commitment to public safety instead. Plans for future collaboration to bring the event back to the community have been hinted at, with hopes of possibly relocating it next summer.

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, Sheriff Holcomb and City Manager Duhaney acknowledged the critical balance necessary between ensuring public safety and providing entertainment options for residents. The closure has elicited sadness among community members who have cherished the carnival over the years. As discussions for future events continue, local leaders aim to ensure that any potential return of the carnival will prioritize safety while revitalizing the summer entertainment scene in Virginia Beach.

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Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER

VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER

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